Acupuncture is one of the oldest medical practices that survived the scientific-based practice of the modern generation. For more than 2,500 years, the practice that originated from China is still being used and all over the world and is recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for more than 200 health conditions and is beneficial for other conditions such as migraine and frequent headaches.

According to the traditional Chinese theory for medicine, there are patterns of energy flow (Qi) in the body that are essential for health and balance, and this is where they based the practice of acupuncture. Acupuncture basically involves insertion of needles to specific points (Meridian) in the body to correct and restore balance to the energy flow. Though different countries use different techniques on the specific stimulation points of the body such as acupressure, and such, the most studied and researched technique is still the insertion of thin, solid, metallic needles that are manually manipulated by hands or mechanically by electrical stimulation.

HOW IS ACUPUNCTURE in Thailand PERFORMED?

Acupuncture therapy starts when the needles are inserted to the specific locations (acupoints) to restore balance in the energy flow of the body that is said to be causing certain ailments. The needles are inserted just deep enough into the skin to keep them from falling out as they will have to be left in place for up to 30 minutes. The procedure rarely causes pain to the patient.

Depending on the acupuncturist’s recommendation, the treatment can be done once or twice a week, and may consist of up to 12 sessions.

A typical acupuncture session in Thailand may last for about 30minutes and the patient needs to be lying down, however, sitting position is also suitable for specific conditions.

Needles used in each treatment are disposable and sterile to ensure patient safety.

WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?

The World Health Organization has accepted acupuncture as an effective treatment for 28 conditions including the following:

· Adverse Reaction to Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy

· Allergic Rhinitis

· Biliary Colic

· Depression

· Dysentery

· Primary Dysmenorrhea

· Acute Epigastralgia (gastrospasm)

· Facial Pain

· Headache/Migraine

· Essential Hypertension

· Primary Hypotension

· Induction of Labor

· Knee Pain

· Leukopenia

· Low Back Pain

· Malposition of Fetus

· Morning Sickness

· Nausea and Vomiting

· Neck Pain

· Pain in Dentistry

· Periarthritis of Shoulder

· Post-operative Pain

· Renal Colic

· Rheumatiod Arthritis

· Sciatica

· Sprain

· Stroke

· Tennis Elbow

It has also been considered beneficial to many other conditions such as bell’s palsy, but this is still under further study. WHO also recommends that Acupuncture be tried for deafness, and other conditions since the conventional approach of medicine may be too difficult.

It should be made clear however that Acupunture is not a cure-all-treatment, however, it is recommended for certain medical conditions as there are some therapeutic effects noted, and though it may not actually be the treatment for the disease, trials reveal that it has alleviated some discomfort cause by the conditions. Since Acupuncture is also harmless as long as it is practiced by a professional acupuncturist like Prof. Somyos Kunachak, WHO also recommends it to be tried for comatose patients as long as the whole treatment will be under close observation.

Lately, doctors are also doing researches with the use of Acupuncture as a support or supplementary treatment for conventional medicine. For instance, a researcher in South Korea found that Accupuncture is not beneficial in treating hot flashes during menopause, but is effective in treating hot flashes for women who are taking anti-estrogen medication after breast cancer surgery.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY?

Basically, acupuncture is a very safe procedure if done by a licensed acupuncturist; however, frauds may use unsterilized needles which are very dangerous as it may cause the spread of infection. A needle may also break and damage an organ or when done at the chest area or the upper back, may cause lung collapse. This only happens with quack practitioners so make sure your doctor is a licensed acupuncturist before you agree with a treatment.

Usually, patients with bleeding disorders are discouraged to do the procedure to avoid possible bleeding.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER AN ACUPUNTURE TREATMENT?

Most patients who are treated with acupuncture will feel relaxed immediately after the session regardless of the purpose for the treatment. This may also cause decreases reaction time so driving is discouraged.

There are those who feel a strong surge of emotion which is also normal during the first few hours.

It is recommended that patients who had just undergone an acupuncture treatment rest and sleep if possible. Some discomfort may be felt on the areas where the needles where inserted but this can be relieved by massaging the area. Hard, vigorous massage is however not recommended. Bruises may also appear on the areas where needles where inserted but they usually resolve in a few days.

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE YOSKARN CLINIC?

Performing acupuncture requires skills from your doctor and not all doctors can perform the therapy. At Yoskarn Clinic, our surgeon, Prof. Somyos Kunachak, is a licensed acupuncturist who underwent a special training to understand the principle of the application of needles in the body and the dangers of which while also practicing modern medicine. This is a plus as he combines and integrates the science of modern medicine with the principle of acupuncture. With this, you can rest assured that you are getting the treatment you paid for and the safety which is entitled for you.

Aside from this, our patients can also book a room at Aprodite Inn, the hotel just beside our clinic so our doctor can do the acupuncture in your own room instead of you going to us. With this, you can sleep and relax directly after your treatment as there is no more need for you travel.

Room service is also available anytime so you can just call the hotel staffs and order your meals and you wouldn’t have to step outside your room to do anything else. Relaxation will be yours fully if you stay at Aphrodite Inn for your acupuncture treatment with us or any other procedure.